T moved to Caewern Lodge, one of our Integra residential services in Wales, from a hospital setting in June 2021, having had a past of contact with secondary mental health services.

Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, depression, suicidal ideation and with a history of substance misuse, the move to Caewern Lodge was a positive stepping stone in T’s recovery.

Caewern Lodge Registered Manager, Rebecca Cardy shares T’s journey with us:

"When pleasant, but shy and reserved T came to us, it did take some time for them to feel at ease. T was immediately made to feel at home by everybody and soon settled in well.

Whilst we all recognised moving to Caewern was a positive one for T, we acknowledged it was an overwhelming change in environment. The team were reassuring, caring and kind throughout the transition, helping T to rehabilitate and to feel comfortable, through tailored, therapeutic engagement.

The highs, the lows, and everything in between:

T would be heavily self-critical, even when doing a fantastic job, and suffered periods of poor mental health, experiencing those suicidal ideations.

Through consistent support, meaningful engagement, and networking with our wider teams, we gradually saw T becoming less reserved, building on important life skills and gaining a new sense of self-confidence - all whilst managing to adopt helpful coping strategies.

Over time, T’s independence increased with both long-term and short-term goals being achieved. This included passing their driving test, budgeting before purchasing a new car, and getting a part time job at a local supermarket. Something, and by their own admission, T initially thought could never be accomplished.

Despite achieving so much in a short space of time, T would often still question their abilities, and would experience phases of extreme self-doubt; heavily relying on the team to be the source of motivation and to celebrate the successes. The team never wavered in their commitment and perseverance during the lows, spending time with T on a 1-1 basis, to reflect and explore their doubts, help them to write down their thoughts. This was always supporting with positive engagement and reminders of how far T had come, and how much they mattered. They would think of new ideas and activities to motivate T to want to achieve and keep progressing.

Empowering engagement could be as simple as a short stroll or going out for a cuppa and cake. These provided T with a safe space to open up more, which often led to important conversations. T really felt heard, and noted when colleagues paid personal visits to Caewarn simply because they cared.

It was difficult for all the team at times when T would express suicidal thoughts and research on ending life. It was upsetting to know T continued to feel this way at times when they’d come so far. It was especially worrying that they might act upon their thoughts.

The team took initiative by sourcing additional professional support. This gave T access to MIND and extra 1-1 psychology sessions.

The turning point:

By 2022, T’s low periods were less frequent. During these times, they were better able to have candid conversations with the team, to address how it was they were feeling. T continued in part-time work, engaged in playing a musical instrument, and even created songs of their own. T was able to feel proud of what they’d achieved at this point and was able to reflect and recognise the barriers they’d overcome.

By early 2023, with the support the Caewern Lodge and wider Integra team, T was able to explore step down placements for further independence. Although initially a little apprehensive, once a suitable place was identified, T felt ready to progress and became excited about the next chapter of their life.

T moved into a new flat – a huge step in their rehabilitation and growing independence.

T is now living a more independent, fulfilling life. And as T integrates in a new community, they continue to maintain relationships with the Caewern Lodge family.

This positive outcome is testament to T’s hard work, and a reflection on their resilience and ability to get through even the toughest of times. Together with the demonstrated level of hard work and passion our team have at Caewern Lodge. It was a collaborative effort where every single colleague played an active role.

When T took that final leap to independence it was a joy for all to witness. We are all so immensely proud and wish T the very best in their bright future."